6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?  1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

A. A Reputation to Pursue: 1 Thess. 3:6a, 1 Tim. 1:5

– A Reputation of faithfulness: 1 Thess. 1:6-7

– A Reputation of love: 1 Thess. 4:1, John 14:15, 1 Thess. 4:9-10, Rev. 2:1-5

B. A Reputation that Impacts: 1 Thess. 3:6b-9

1. Affirms respect, submission, love and desire for fellowship with leaders: 1 Thess. 3:6b, Hebrews 13:17

2. Provides encouragement and comfort to laboring and weary leaders: 1 Thess. 4:7, 1 Thess. 3:5

3. Revives the leadership in their ministry: 1 Thess. 3:8, Philemon 20

4. Prompts prayerful thanksgiving to God for His work in growing believers: 1 Thess. 3:9, 1 Thess. 2:19

C. A Reputation to Mature: 1 Thess. 3:10, 1 Thess. 4:1, 4:9-10, Phil. 3:12-15